Visit our Facebook page and become a fan.
FCC Awaits Rebuttals on Net-Neutrality Testimony
With the closing of public comments on Net neutrality, the Federal Communications Commission is awaiting rebuttals and replies. Once all the comments are in, the FCC will have the task of reviewing thousands of opinions and developing a framework for a national broadband plan. Technology companies support the plan, but not wireless carriers.
The Federal Communications Commission has a daunting task to complete this spring. The deadline for public comment on the FCC's proposed Net-neutrality rules passed this week, and now the FCC is accepting rebuttals and replies to comments made by Internet companies, industry associations, and government officials.
The proposed Net-neutrality framework or national broadband plan would regulate businesses in an effort to ensure that all people of the U.S. have broadband access. The rule change also means consumers will have more say in which Internet products succeed.
At the core of the debate are proposed rules that would guarantee Internet users access to any web site and any online service they choose. Cable and phone companies, for example, would not be allowed to block users from using less-expensive Internet calling services or block competing video Web sites.
More than 150 public comments on the subject were electronically filed on Thursday, the deadline for comments. The FCC, however, has received thousands of comments since first voting to create the rule-making process in October.
Wireless Perspective
People and businesses have until March 5 to file replies to the public comments. Once that is complete, the FCC will have to review all the public opinions on the Net-neutrality debate before developing a framework.
Several technology companies, including Google, Netflix and eBay have openly supported the FCC's proposed rules. And companies such as Twitter and Amazon.com have also come forward in support of the rules.
Wireless companies, however, say government and regulations should not be part of the Internet equation because it's counterintuitive to regulate companies that are being asked to upgrade broadband service to support the overall plan. CTIA - The Wireless Association argues that the FCC's proposed rules will actually stifle innovation, new business, and job creation.
"Quite simply, we believe that these rules are inappropriate for wireless broadband networks and unnecessary to ensure that wireless consumers continue to enjoy the open Internet," said Steve Largent, president of the wireless association. "As Americans continue to adopt mobile broadband at a rapid pace, our members are investing billions of dollars every year to deliver wireless Internet across the country. This is a model that is working for consumers, and regulation is not needed."
The Competitive Enterprise Institute, which focuses on free enterprise without government involvement, also opposes the proposed rules.
"Banning proprietary business models is just the opposite of true 'openness,'" said Wayne Crews, CEI's vice president of policy. "The FCC seems to be forgetting that not every network has been built yet and tomorrow's networks and business models need not resemble those that prevail today. The FCC is wrong to assume that today's politicians and regulators know what's best for companies not yet created, networks not yet deployed, and business plans not yet formulated."
Legal Authority
The Electronic Frontier Foundation said the FCC doesn't have the statutory authority to create and issue such regulations without clear guidance from Congress and clear boundaries for its regulatory authority.
If the FCC feels it can forge ahead with the regulations, EFF said it first needs to revise its rules to protect the free speech and privacy of Internet users while also fostering competition and innovation.
The EFF also said if the FCC decides to issue regulations, they should not contain a copyright loophole, nor should the rules allow voluntary discrimination under the guise of aiding law enforcement. Rules, according to the EFF, should also encourage development of customer choice and market options by allowing the promoting of noncommercial Wi-Fi.